For Immediate Release

October 27, 2014 – Vancouver, B.C. – Public Works and Government Services Canada 

Today the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, highlighted the steel cutting of two modules that will sit aboard the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel being developed at the Vancouver Shipyards and announced the award of a $5-million contract for the production of these initial blocks. This milestone signals more significant progress being made in the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). The Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel will be the first class of ship to be built at Vancouver Shipyards under the government’s shipbuilding strategy. 

Through the historic undertaking of the NSPS, Canada will deliver the ships needed by the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard to protect the security and interests of Canadians at home and abroad. This work will also bring long-term economic benefits to the marine and related sectors in communities across Canada. In fact, as of June, Vancouver Shipyards had awarded $120 million in contracts to Canadian suppliers. More than 100 companies in Canada have been engaged.

Quick Facts

Under the terms of this contract, Vancouver Shipyards will build the first two sections of the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel. Building these initial blocks will enable the shipyard to test the new processes, get personnel familiar with the new equipment and streamline construction for when full production begins in spring 2015.

Work on this contract started on October 27, 2014, and will span through spring 2015.

The Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel is part of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Renewal projects. The Fleet Renewal projects will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has a strong, modern, multi-mission fleet, capable of delivering a cost-effective and reliable service to Canadians well into the future.

The NSPS will help to end the shipbuilding boom and bust cycle, creating an estimated 15,000 jobs and resulting in over $2 billion in annual economic benefit for 30 years.

Quotes

“I’m pleased to be here to cut steel on the initial block production of the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel. This milestone shows our progress and our commitment to rebuilding our Canadian marine industry, which will ultimately lead to the creation of high-quality jobs and economic growth in communities across Canada.”

The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

“Our Government is proud to invest to ensure that our researchers and scientists have the equipment and tools they need to pursue their important work. Marine scientific research is crucial to the sustainable management of our fisheries and to improve our knowledge of Canada’s oceans. These vessels will also play a supporting role in search and rescue and environmental response when needed.”

The Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“Our Government made the historic decision to build ships for our navy and coast guard in Canada. With the North Shore’s rich shipbuilding history, and world-class talent, it is an ideal location for construction of the new Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel. This investment will create jobs and growth in communities across Canada, and right here in North Vancouver, for years to come.”

Andrew Saxton
Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

“This milestone is another example of how, under Prime Minister Harper, the Conservative Government has made unprecedented investments in the Canadian shipbuilding industry right here in our community. This project not only demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the local economy but also our commitment to the Canadian Coast Guard, which plays such a key role in keeping our waters safe.”

John Weston
Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country

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Contacts

Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada 
819-956-2315

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Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=897299